July 23, 2009

White Sox ace Mark Buehrle has retired the first 15 Tampa Bay batters and enjoys a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Buehrle needed help on only two plays, a long running catch by left fielder Carlos Quentin in the second, and shortstop Alexei Ramirez making a strong throw to retire Ben Zobrist in the fifth.

Buehrle was staked to an early lead on Josh Fields' grand slam off left-hander Scott Kazmir. Ramon Castro hit a two-out single to set up Fields' slam, the Sox's sixth this season and their 18th over the past two years.

The Sox added another run in the bottom of the fifth on consecutive doubles by Scott Podsednik and Alexei Ramirez.

June 24, 2009

Josh Fields was the starting White Sox first baseman and Paul Konerko the DH, as Jim Thome received the day off against Dodger left-hander Randy Wolf Wednesday.

Fields, fighting for a spot after losing his third base job to rookie Gordon Beckham, is trying to improve his versatility. Also, Jayson Nix was starting at second base in place of lefty hitting Chris Getz. A. J. Pierzynski was the only lefty in the Sox lineup. Thome is 1-for-1 lilfetime against Wolf.

June 10, 2009

The task of reviving an offense that is only 6 for its last 70 with runners in scoring position became greater for the White Sox with the expected loss of Paul Konerko.

Konerko left Wednesday's 2-1 loss after seven innings after aggravating a right thumb injury. Manager Ozzie Guillen said Konerko has a loose ligament that he has coped with "since I can remember."

Konerko's thumb problems surfaced in April of 2008 when Mike Mussina jammed him, and he didn't receive a pain-killing shot until a month later. He batted only .240 and hit 22 home runs.

The off-season allowed his thumb to rest, But Konerko was reluctant last May to discuss his successful start.

Hitting coach Greg Walker, however, was a little more expansive at that time.

"He had hand problems earlier this year, but he's been healthier than last year," Walker said three weeks ago.

It could also explain that Konerko's thumb has gradually gotten worse, as evidence by his 8-for-38 rut (.211) on this homestand.

With Carlos Quentin expected to be sidelined until at least the All-Star break, and Guillen not wanting to start designated hitter Jim Thome at first base during nine consecutive interleague games at National League parks starting Friday, the offense must become more resourceful.

Josh Fields will get a chance to redeem himself. Fields is batting .235 with only three home runs and 59 strikeouts, so this might be his last chance to show the value that made him a No. 1 pick in 2004.

June 08, 2009

After watching the White Sox squander several opportunities and display a disregard for executing fundamentals, manager Ozzie Guillen didn't mince words following a 5-4 loss to Detroit in the first game of a day-night doubleheader.

“If this was the 1980s, (none) of these guys would be in the big leagues right now because if you hit .210-.230 and you can’t execute, I don’t think you should be out here," Guillen said shortly after third baseman Josh Fields went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and committed an error in the top of the ninth inning that set up the Tigers' winning rally.

"When you can’t bunt, hit-and-run, squeeze and move the guy over, you better hit 40 home runs and drive in 140. The only positive about this game was (reliever) D.J. Carrasco and a couple home runs here and there. A little excitement, fans got a little excited, and that’s it."

Fields' error was one of three miscues by the Sox, and Guillen was tired of explaining why their defense was shoddy.

“Is the clubhouse closed?" Guillen said. "We should open it and let them (answer) why they’re so horse (bleep)."

After losing for the sixth time in seven games, Guillen was more baffled.

“I wonder why," he said. "We give players opportunity. One thing about players, you protect their (rears) for 140 games, and you say one thing about it one day and all of a sudden you’re a bad person. And it’s not an easy spot to be. But my job is to get the best out of them, and I’m not getting the best out of them. Then it might be my fault. I might not push hard enough. I might not get mad enough. Or I’m too tough on some guys.

“If we don’t do what we’re supposed to do, I’ll take the blame because that’s my job. In the meanwhile, if anyone watched from the first day of the season to right now, I will look myself in the mirror and figure out whose fault it is. We’re not doing it. We got excited here and there. After that, it was a boring game. Really, really, really bad baseball game, terrible the way the guys played the game.”

Guillen seemed tired of delivering messages to his players.

“I talked to them," Guillen said. "One thing about it: Good teams win games. Bad teams have meetings. Well, I think we’re to the point of having a lot of meetings. That’s all I can say.”

After the game, the Sox optioned left-hander Wes Whisler to make room for second-game starter Jose Contreras. Guillen was asked if more moves were in store.

“No, not yet. Pretty soon,” Guillen said.

General manager Ken Williams stormed out of the clubhouse, but Guillen said Williams didn't address his team.

“I’m the manager," Guillen said. "If I’m going to have a meeting, that’s my job. If Kenny has something to say, he has to tell me. I know how he feels. Same way I feel. And I don’t blame him."

June 07, 2009

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen found a way to get both Gordon Beckham and Josh Fields in the lineup at the same time for Sunday's game against Cleveland: Play Beckham at third and let Fields DH against left-hander David Huff.

Beckham was the scheduled ninth place hitter in Sunday's lineup after a day off following an 0-for-6 major league start. Fields was fifth.

Sunday also marked the return of right fielder Jermaine Dye from a two-game suspension. Sunday's lineup is after the jump.

June 04, 2009

White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Gordon Beckham will get most of the playing time at third base.

"We didn't call him up to sit," Williams said about two hours after Beckham, the Sox's No. 1 pick in 2008, was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte.

Beckham was confident he could play anywhere on the infield because of his extensive experience at shortstop while acknowledging he could get better at third and second.

What does this mean for Josh Fields? On a short-term basis, Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen said Fields will play third when Beckham gives Alexei Ramirez a break at shortstop, spell Jim Thome as the designated hitter on occasion and back up Paul Konerko at first base.

Fields took the news in stride and said he would do what's best for the team.

On a long-term basis, Williams said Fields' future is "undefined but stressed that Fields remains a big part of the Sox's future.

Beckham will wear No. 15 and has a locker next to teammate Chris Getz, who was amazed at the media attention Beckham received.

June 03, 2009

Perhaps the biggest test that Gordon Beckham passed occurred in spring training when he accidentally said, "Who's Harold?" in reference to former White Sox great and current coach Harold Baines.

The entire spring training staff had a good laugh at Beckham's expense, and he meshed well with veterans as well as fellow infield competitors such as Jayson Nix and Brent Lillibridge.

Beckham's maturity was just as big of a measuring stick as his ability in the Sox's decision to purchase his contract from Triple-A Charlotte in time for him to make his major league debut Thursday against Oakland. Beckham will start, playing third and batting eighth.

Since Beckham already was moving around from his natural position at shortstop, he shouldn't be too overwhelmed should manager Ozzie Guillen play him at third and second base, in addition to spelling Alexei Ramirez at shortstop.

"He's got some talent," said veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who took Beckham under his wing during spring training and remained in contact with him prior to his promotion. "He’s got some talent. He's got a chance to be a really good player. He can definitely hit."

As for his immediate friendship, "he’s great," Pierzynski added. "We’ve become good friends, goofing around. He’s from Georgia, so at least (hitting coach) Greg Walker will have someone to cry on his shoulders. He’s a good kid.

"He’s not the savior. He's just one piece, and hopefully things work out."

Paul Konerko, who knows the expectations of being a former No. 1 pick, also was sold on Beckham.

"He’s going to be a good player in this league," Konerko said. "No question about that.

"He’s a good kid, a good player and I'm sure it’s happened fast for him. But I’m sure the plan now is that hopefully he stays up for good."

One television reporter constantly questioned the lack of professional experience Beckham possessed. Beckham will reach the majors 364 days after being drafted out of the University of Georgia.

But Guillen expressed his strong trust in farm director Buddy Bell, the Sox's minor league coaching staff, as well as general manager Ken Williams and assistant GM Rick Hahn.

Konerko added: (Beckham) was a college player and one of the best, if not the best. These guys are polished and need less time."

In 59 professional games, Beckham batted .322 in 59 minor league games, including a combined .326 with 23 doubles, four home runs and 25 RBIs in 45 games this season with Triple-A Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham.

He becomes the fourth member of the 2008 draft class to reach the majors, joining Detroit pitcher Ryan Perry and Arizona left-hander Daniel Schlereth this season. San Francisco's Conor Gillaspie reached the majors last season.

Beckham will be the fastest Sox's No. 1 pick to reach the majors since 1990, when Alex Fernandez reached the majors 58 days after he was drafted. Beckham also will become the first Sox position player to reach the majors the fastest since shortstop Lee Richard was drafted in 1970 and made the Sox's 1971 opening day roster.

"Now he's here. I hope he can save us," Guillen quipped.

Beckham's promotion coincides with infielder Wilson Betemit being designated for assignment. One of the great mysteries of spring training was watching Betemit trying to play shortstop. He was acquired in the Nick Swisher trade as a super utility player with the alleged capability to play shortstop.

Betemit, however, lost the faith of the coaching staff after struggling at short in a March 1 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers and was relegated to reserve duty at the corner positions.

That allowed Brent Lillibridge to make the opening day roster because of his ability to play short, but Lillibridge never got untracked at the plate.

The promotion of Beckham represents the second in a series of expected wakeup calls from Williams, who tried to land all-star pitcher Jake Peavy from San Diego two weeks ago.